Breast Reconstruction La Jolla

Name: Breast Reconstruction
Brand: Dr. Glynn Bolitho
Rating: 4.8 (935 reviews)

Breast reconstruction offers a path to restoring confidence and wholeness for those who have undergone mastectomy or experienced breast trauma, helping them embrace life anew.

Breast Reconstruction Overview

What Is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is a specialized reconstructive surgery designed to restore the shape, symmetry, and volume of one or both breasts following a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or physical trauma. Performed in La Jolla by quadruple board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Glynn Bolitho, breast reconstruction combines advanced surgical artistry with patient-centered care to help individuals regain a sense of wholeness and confidence.

Depending on your unique anatomy, health profile, and personal goals, reconstruction can be performed immediately at the time of your mastectomy or delayed until after cancer treatments are complete. Dr. Bolitho offers a full spectrum of surgical techniques, including implant-based reconstruction (using tissue expanders or direct-to-implant techniques) and autologous (tissue flap) reconstruction (such as DIEP flap, TRAM flap, or Latissimus Dorsi flap), tailoring every step to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results.

Dr. Glynn Bolitho Achieves Excellent Results

Dr. Bolitho has found breast reconstruction one of the most rewarding procedures for both doctors and their patients. His extensive experience in this area—and in plastic surgery in general—has earned him a much-valued reputation for expertise in achieving restorative results.

Quadruple board-certified in plastic surgery
Over 20 years experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery
Completion of Residency/Fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Emory University
Operating suite adheres to stringent national standards

Breast Reconstruction Before & After

Breast Reconstruction Gallery

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Regain Wholeness and Your Desired Aesthetic With Breast Reconstruction

This technique involves using implants, your own tissue, or a combination of both to restore symmetry, enhance confidence, and provide a sense of wholeness. Breast reconstruction is often pursued by individuals who:

Have undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer or other medical conditions.
Seek to restore breast symmetry and appearance after breast removal.
Wish to regain a sense of confidence, femininity, and body image.
Want to alleviate emotional and psychological distress related to breast loss.
Desire to resume a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Breast Reconstruction Techniques

Dr. Bolitho understands how overwhelmed patients can be with the breast reconstruction process. This is part of why the consultation step is so crucial. You will have ample time to discuss your medical case and he will explain the various breast reconstruction techniques available to you. Some of the techniques applied include the following:

Implant-Based Reconstruction: Involves placing a breast implant to restore breast shape and volume. This can follow prior expander placement or be a definitive procedure as, so-called, direct to implant reconstruction.
Autologous Reconstruction: Uses your own tissue, often from the abdomen or back, to create a new breast.
Tissue Expander: An inflatable implant gradually filled with saline to stretch the skin and muscle. This is placed as a first stage of reconstruction, prior to definitive implant placement.
TRAM Flap: Transfers muscle and tissue from the abdomen to create a natural-looking breast mound.
DIEP Flap: Similar to TRAM, but uses microvascular technique only transfers skin and fat, preserving abdominal muscle.
Latissimus Dorsi Flap: Uses muscle and tissue from the back, along with an implant, for reconstruction.

Breast Reconstruction Involves Several Stages

Generally, rebuilding a breast consists of several plastic surgeries in an effort to recreate shape, volume and appearance. It is important to be aware that breast reconstruction will not provide the same look or sensation as an original breast, incision scars will fade in time but may remain visible, and specific reconstruction techniques may leave scars at the donor site, such as the abdomen and back.

Consultation

Discuss your goals and options with Dr. Bolitho to determine the most suitable approach for your unique case.

Timing

Breast reconstruction in La Jolla can be immediate (performed at the same time as mastectomy) or delayed (after mastectomy and additional treatments).

Surgery

Depending on the chosen technique (implant-based or autologous), surgery will involve implant placement, tissue transfer, or a combination.

Recovery

Initial discomfort and swelling are common, gradually subsiding over a few weeks.

Staged Surgery

Implant-based reconstruction may require tissue expanders for gradual adjustment, followed by implant placement.

Healing

Allow time for the reconstructed breast to heal and settle into its final shape.

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

A separate procedure may be performed to recreate the nipple and areola for a more natural appearance.

Final Results

Over time, the reconstructed breast takes on a natural feel and appearance, enhancing your sense of symmetry and wholeness.

Follow-up: Regular appointments with Dr. Bolitho to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.

Don’t Settle For Anything Less Than Excellence When It Comes to Breast Reconstruction

Dr. Bolitho’s career spans nearly three decades, marked by his quadruple board certification and global medical experience. With residencies and fellowships completed across continents, including the University of Cape Town and Oxford's Radcliffe Infirmary, he brings an exceptional skill set. Dr. Bolitho's gratification lies in the satisfaction of clients who entrust him with their appearance, a testament to his unwavering commitment to delivering natural, remarkable results.

Speak With Dr. Bolitho in Confidence

Contact us to schedule a time for you to consult with Dr. Bolitho on breast reconstruction. He is happy to sit with you and go over the procedure and any questions you have.

Glynn Bolitho

Breast Reconstruction FAQ

What is the difference between implant-based and autologous breast reconstruction?

Implant-based reconstruction utilizes silicone or saline implants to recreate the breast mound, often following a temporary tissue expander to stretch the skin and chest muscle gently. Autologous (flap) reconstruction uses tissue taken from another area of your own body—such as the abdomen (DIEP or TRAM flap) or upper back (Latissimus Dorsi flap)—to create a natural breast shape. During your private consultation in La Jolla, Dr. Bolitho will review your medical history and tissue availability to determine which approach best aligns with your recovery goals.

When is the best time to undergo breast reconstruction in La Jolla?

Breast reconstruction can be timed in two ways depending on your medical team's recommendation: Immediate Reconstruction is performed during the same surgery as your mastectomy, allowing you to wake up with a reconstructed breast mound or tissue expander already in place. Delayed Reconstruction is performed months or years after your initial breast cancer surgery, giving your body time to heal from adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation. Dr. Bolitho collaborates closely with your oncology team to choose the timing that offers the safest surgical outcome and best cosmetic results.

How many stages are involved in the breast reconstruction process, and what is the recovery like?

Breast reconstruction is typically a multi-stage journey rather than a single surgery. If using tissue expanders, you will undergo a series of minor office visits for gradual expansions before the final implant exchange procedure. Later stages may also include nipple-areola reconstruction or refining procedures to match the opposite breast. Initial surgical recovery usually takes a few weeks, during which light activity is resumed gradually, while full tissue settling and scar maturation unfold over several months.